Jim Thorpe students have done their namesake proud yet again, raising nearly $2,000 to benefit the sports teams of the impoverished Pine Ridge School in South Dakota.

When Jim Thorpe’s grandson John Thorpe first heard about the reservation school’s talented basketball team struggling to get by with hand-me-down uniforms and outdated equipment, he took it upon himself to bridge a connection with the reservation and Jim Thorpe Area High School to make things right.

“The kids here have come together to help the Thorpes, a team of athletes in Pine Ridge, South Dakota. It’s an Indian reservation, and it’s one of the most destitute places, not only here in America, but in the whole world,” he said. “They have no money, they have absolutely nothing.”

Thorpe first reached out to Craig Zurn, president and CEO of Jim Thorpe Neighborhood Bank, hoping to secure enough funding for the Thorpes to have new uniforms in time for their playoffs.

“He called me and said, ‘Craig, I want to tell you a story. …’ I heard him, and I said, ‘Man, John, that brings tears to my eyes.’ He was getting tears in his eyes just talking over the phone. He asked if there was anything I could do through the bank, and I said I could certainly make a donation, but, if you’re patient though, I could turn it over and make it an opportunity for our school kids.”

Zurn got in touch with Jim Thorpe Area High School Principal Thomas Lesisko, and they discussed strategies. Lesisko spread the word among students and faculty, and Zurn offered to provide additional contact information for sources throughout town.

“I really wanted it to be a meaningful thing that the kids could appreciate,” Zurn said.

After a short run of fundraising efforts, the students brought together nearly $2,000. While it wasn’t ready in time for this year’s basketball season at Pine Ridge, the students will continue to collect donations throughout the coming months.

Thorpe, who was in town for the birthday celebration of his grandfather, took a tour of the school on Friday, meeting and thanking the students who helped raised the money for the Pine Ridge Thorpes. Touring the hallway in Jim Thorpe Olympians sweatshirt, he could not help but praise the kids who exemplified his grandfather’s spirit for athletics, and their dedication to helping others.

“They have done so much, and in a time that was so hard for them, too. And there’s more to come. They’ll be doing more to get those kids the outfits, footballs and shoes they need for 2018-19 season. It makes you proud,” Thorpe said.

Lesisko said that this act of philanthropy is a strong part of the Jim Thorpe way, and that the results of the current fundraiser have raised the stakes to a whole new level. In addition to extending a helping hand, Lesisko hopes the act will facilitate a long-term bond between the Pine Ridge and Jim Thorpe districts.

“Hopefully, it’s a long relationship, not just of money but a cultural exchange. If they can come together and share some things, that would be wonderful,” he said.

With a few months to go until the 2018-19 sports seasons kick off at Pine Ridge, Thorpe, Zurn and Lesisko are confident that the Jim Thorpe students will step up their game and collect even more contributions to help out the impoverished school.

Thorpe said that the new uniforms and equipment will help elevate a talented team to the next level, and boost an already strong morale.

“It’s my understanding that the way you show up and present yourself is 75 percent of the game. It puts pride in you, and gives you a sense of being. Having good, brand-new uniforms instead of hand-me-downs, now they’ll have something they can take pride in,” he said.

Those interested in contributing to the charity can reach to Jim Thorpe Neighborhood Bank at 570-325-3631.